@article{ref1,
title="Longitudinal changes in recalled perceived life threat after a natural disaster",
journal="British journal of psychiatry",
year="2009",
author="Heir, Trond and Piatigorsky, Auran and Weisaeth, L.",
volume="194",
number="6",
pages="510-514",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis often depends on a retrospective, self-report of exposure to a life-threatening event. AIMS: To examine the stability of recalled perceived life threat in a community sample exposed to a distinct stressful event. METHOD: Five hundred and thirty-two Norwegian citizens who experienced the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami completed a self-report questionnaire 6 and 24 months post-disaster. The questionnaire measured perceived life-threat intensity, exposure, immediate stress response, psychopathology, personality dimensions, self-efficacy and social support. RESULTS: Recalled threat intensity increased from 6 to 24 months (P<0.001). Recall amplification was associated with lack of PTSD symptom improvement (P<0.05), but not with degree of exposure, immediate stress response, mood or stress symptoms, personality, self-efficacy or social support. CONCLUSIONS: Recall amplification of perceived life threat from a single stressful event occurs in the general population, it may hinder PTSD symptom improvement and it questions the diagnostic validity of PTSD.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0007-1250",
doi="10.1192/bjp.bp.108.056580",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.108.056580"
}